Testing a Dishwasher Solenoid Valve

The solenoid valve in a dishwasher receives signals from the timer cycle control, which directs the valve to open and close at specific times during the wash. If the appliance will not fill with water, for example, and all troubleshooting efforts have failed to improve operation, the solenoid may be defective. Testing the solenoid for electrical continuity lets you determine in seconds whether the part is defective. Solenoid valve assemblies must be replaced if these parts break down. They cannot be repaired.

Phillips-head screwdriver
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the circuit breaker that controls electricity to the dishwasher.
- 2
  Take out the screws on the bottom front panel of the dishwasher using the screwdriver. The hardware is along the left and right side of the panel.
- 3
  Pull down and forward from the bottom of the panel to remove it from the appliance cabinet. Locate the water valve and solenoid inside the appliance at the bottom. The valve has two hoses connected to it. The solenoid is on top of the valve.
- 4
  Grip the slide-on connectors on the ends of the two wires attached to the solenoid. Pull each connector off the metal blades on the solenoid.
- 5
  Select the "Ohms" option on the multimeter to test the solenoid. Hold the two test rods on the meter against the two blades on the solenoid. If the meter display does not register or scrolls constantly, the circuit in the solenoid is broken and the part must be replaced.

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Dishwashers